La Rioja Alavesa will captivate you with its cultural, monumental, historical and natural richness and, of course, its traditional and modern wine cellars and its wine and gastronomy. Here we give you some ideas with regards to the many routes available, set out in a landscape of vine groves.
We propose you start at Labastida, which still conserves the Larrazuría gateway of the old walls. Continue along the A-124 to Samaniego, where a visit to the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Valle is a must.
From here you can take the A-3214 to visit Villabuena de Álava, Baños de Ebro and Elciego. In Elciego you will find the impressive Marqués de Riscal wine cellar designed by Frank Gehry. From here you can take the A-4208 and stop in Lapuebla de Labarca, where you will discover the wine cellars set in caves dating back from the 17th and 18th centuries.
At this point, take the A-3216 to Laguardia, where visits tend to last for a few hours. It is worth observing the 13th century walls, strolling around its streets and visiting its two fortified churches: San Juan and Santa María de los Reyes, which has an exceptional Gothic doorway.
Here you will also find good bars, restaurants and wine cellars where you can enjoy the wines of the area and its gastronomy. The surrounding areas are no less satisfying. You can visit the protected biotope of the wetlands or the prehistoric town of La Hoya. By taking the A-3228, passing through Elvillar, you will reach the dolmen of La Hechicera and Kripan. From here take the A-3220 to Lanciego, where you can admire its blazoned palaces and houses.